Alumni award winner improves healthcare, gives back to Binghamton University

The Binghamton University Alumni Association annually honors alumni who have graduated within the last 10 years, demonstrated a very high level of career achievement since leaving campus, and show great potential for future leadership.

Two of this year’s BOLD (Bearcats of the Last Decade) 10 Under 10 Award winners are alumni of the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science. We asked them to tell us how Watson influenced their career paths. (Read about Watson’s other 2024 winner, Gabriel Osei ’21.)

The BOLD 10 Under 10 recipient deemed to have made the strongest impact through his or her endeavors will be awarded the Lois B. DeFleur Distinguished Young Alumni Award. The DeFleur honoree will be revealed at a May 1 ceremony in New York City.

George Lourentzatos ’12, MS ’15, a seasoned healthcare strategist, leverages his expertise in operational excellence and cost reduction to drive positive change at Union Health Center as chief of strategy and operations. He focuses on optimizing processes and patient experience, ensuring smooth patient flow, high satisfaction and maximum efficiency. Additionally, he leads the development and implementation of clinical programs and products designed to decrease the total cost of care for labor union members while maintaining, or even improving, the quality of care provided. Data-driven decision-making is central to his approach, ensuring strategic direction, resource allocation and program effectiveness.

Prior to joining Union Health Center, Lourentzatos honed his skills at IBM, Montefiore, Northwell and Mount Sinai. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial and systems engineering from Watson College, crediting his success in outpatient practice transformation, clinical strategy, process improvement and program development to the exceptional education and mentorship he received there.

Beyond his current role, Lourentzatos fosters future leaders through his involvement with Binghamton University. He offers internship opportunities, mentors students through the Mentor Match program, participates in NYC CONNECT initiatives, contributes to the Alumni Association’s Metro New York Chapter, and guides current members of the professional engineering fraternity Theta Tau.

Q: What is it like receiving an award like this?

A: It’s incredibly humbling to be recognized with this award. My success wouldn’t be possible without the strong foundation I received at Binghamton University. The knowledge, friendships and connections I built have been instrumental in my journey. Now, I try to pay it forward by mentoring current students and volunteering however I can, to give back to the school that gave me so much.

Q: How do you think your time at Watson set you up for success?

A: Watson College provided an exceptional environment for developing real-world workforce skills. The Systems Science and Industrial Engineering Department not only challenged me academically, but also provided ample opportunity for collaboration and team management through group projects. Watson prepared me not just for professional success, but also nurtured lifelong relationships with classmates and professors who I continue to seek advice from.

Q: Which Watson class or professor changed the way you thought about your area of study?

A: All of the professors in the department had profound impacts on me, but I would like to highlight Distinguished Professor Mohammad Khasawneh, who played a pivotal role in shaping my career. His mentorship illustrated how the skills I developed through the SSIE Department could be applied to healthcare. His encouragement was instrumental in landing my first healthcare role, transitioning from tech, a path I’ve continued on ever since.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from your time here at Binghamton?

A: Looking back, so many memories stand out, but the ones that truly resonate all involve my classmates. Our class of around 80 was incredibly close, especially since we had only one session for classes. This fostered a strong sense of community. We spent countless hours studying together in the SSIE labs, forging friendships that continue to this day.

Q: What advice would you give to current Watson students?

A: My advice to current Watson students is simple: Embrace your time at Binghamton! Build strong friendships and connections with all of those around you, including your professors. Know that the knowledge you gain can be applied to make a real impact in your careers. Don’t get bogged down by stress — it all works out in the end. Make time for exploration, travel and new experiences. Enjoy and don’t rush through college — these years are irreplaceable!